Controversial Kratom derivative raises red flags in Kentucky as federal crackdown looms

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — It goes by many names—7-Hydroxy, 7-Hydro and 7-OH—but one thing is clear: this powerful kratom derivative is stirring concern among regulators, health advocates and business owners alike.

Despite its strength and potency, it’s not illegal to sell in Kentucky. But that may change. The federal government is taking steps to tighten regulations, as the product—often marketed as a pain reliever or mood booster—becomes increasingly easy to find on smoke shop shelves.

“I worry about these kinds of products,” said one advocate for the alternative products industry. “They’re the ones that keep you awake at night.”

At one local smoke shop, the display is hard to miss. The employee behind the counter told WDRB News it’s one of their best sellers. Gummy bears, bright colors, candy flavors all targeting a wide consumer base.

“They're gummy bears. They're bright colors. They're candy-flavored,” said industry attorney Greg Troutman, who works with clients in the vaping business. “It is cheap. And the markup on it is incredible 80 (%) to 100% markup, if not more.”

Troutman said he picked up a few samples of the product at a trade show in Las Vegas. He says these products are essentially modified forms of kratom, a plant native to southeast Asia. Kratom has developed a reputation as an unapproved remedy for pain, anxiety, and even drug withdrawal symptoms. It’s often attacked by regulators but continues to be sold due to the lack of nationwide oversight.

“They mix it with other products. They mix it with kava, for instance. They mix it with THC products in some cases,” Troutman said. “So when you mix and match things, you don’t know exactly what that’s going to do for you.”

But some longtime vendors argue the dangers are overstated.

“Pain relief or getting off opioid addiction. Even customers, we have had customers use it to get off antidepressants,” said seller Ethan France.

But while anecdotal success stories circulate, the growing availability of the supplement with its wide range of strengths and virtually no manufacturing oversight has become a bigger concern for public health experts.

“It is estimated to be five times more powerful than heroin, and it’s sold over the counter,” Troutman warned. “The one problem is, we don’t know what’s in this product. We don’t know the manufacturing process. We don’t know where it’s made. There is no real regulation.”

He’s now calling on Kentucky lawmakers to take action. Several other states have already placed restrictions on kratom derivatives, like 7-Hydroxy.

For now, it remains legal in the commonwealth but with increasing scrutiny, that may not be the case for long.

Louisville-based Humana offering early retirement to eligible employees

Family of missing Kentucky woman refuses to lose hope after seven years

Louisville health officials report 'great improvements' on mice issues at Kroger stores